Batesburg-Leesville’s football team will look very different this season. 

The Panthers lost 24 seniors from last season’s squad and will have to rely on younger, unproven players in 2026. The team is also in a new classification, moving down to 1A after the latest realignment. 

“We only got three starters coming back on offense, zero coming back on defense,” Panthers head coach Greg Lawson said.  “We're pretty much depleted, but still positive about the kids that we’ve got. Our JV program last year was pretty good. We're going to be young.” 

With a young team comes a lot of teaching and skill development that older teams don’t require. Lawson is no stranger to this scenario, as he experienced it just a few years ago.

This summer was extremely important to the growth of the team, and the players did not disappoint. 

“Probably one of the best offseasons we’ve had as far as participation in the summer,” Lawson said. “I think we’ll go through some learning processes early in the season with some of the teams we’re playing, but I think by the time we get to the region we’ll come along.” 

Lawson designed the team’s schedule to challenge his group before conference play. The Panthers will play schools in larger classifications, including former region rivals and local teams. 

Since the team is pretty much new all around, the Panthers haven’t committed to any one play style on offense or defense. 

Batesburg-Leesville will try different looks on offense, including more tight end sets, but still utilize the spread. Defense will be all about finding the best scheme to fit their personnel. 

“We’re basically starting from the beginning,” Lawson said. “You’ve got to find what you feel like the team does best.” 

Players to watch 

Having so many new faces means nobody can be 100% sure who the main staples of the Panthers are. However, a few players have already started to stand out, Lawson said. 

Sophomore Terrence Cook is slated to become the team’s starter this season. He spent last season as a backup on the varsity team. 

Behind him will be running back Mario Waters. He’ll be a junior this season, and Lawson expects him and Cook to develop a lot as the year progresses. 

Cook and Waters will be protected by an offensive line that includes players like James Sawyer and Bishop Sims. They are some of the most experienced players on the team. 

On defense, Dee Coleman is a name to watch. He is only a sophomore, but Lawson expects him to be a force from the linebacker spot. He’ll also get some offensive reps at running back. 

Trey Smith is another player who will play in multiple spots. He’ll play defensive back, receiver, kicker, punter and backup quarterback for the Panthers.

2026 schedule 

Week 0 - Aug. 21 - BYE

Week 1 - Aug. 28 - vs. Mid Carolina

Week 2 - Sept. 4 - vs. Saluda

Week 3 - Sept. 11 - at Strom Thurmond

Week 4 - Sept. 18 - at Gilbert

Week 5 - Sept. 25 - vs. Clinton

Week 6 - Oct. 2 - at CA Johnson*

Week 7 - Oct. 9 - vs. Clear Dot Charter*

Week 8 - Oct. 16 - at Eau Claire*

Week 9 - Oct. 23 - at Whitmire*

Week 10 - Oct. 30 - vs. Ride Spring-Monetta* 

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent